Process for forming magnetic recording layer for tape media

Abstract

A method, in one approach, includes forming a magnetic recording layer having: encapsulated nanoparticles each comprising a magnetic nanoparticle encapsulated by an encapsulating layer, and a polymeric binder binding the encapsulated nanoparticles.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method, comprising: forming a magnetic recording layer having:
 encapsulated nanoparticles each comprising a magnetic nanoparticle encapsulated by an encapsulating layer, and a polymeric binder binding the encapsulated nanoparticles, wherein forming the recording layer includes spray coating a mixture of the unencapsulated magnetic nanoparticles, an aromatic polymer, and the polymeric binder onto a structure. 
 
     
     
       2. A method, comprising: forming a magnetic recording layer having:
 encapsulated nanoparticles each comprising a magnetic nanoparticle encapsulated by an encapsulating layer, and a polymeric binder binding the encapsulated nanoparticles, wherein forming the recording layer includes heating the magnetic nanoparticles and an aromatic polymer to a temperature of at least 200 degrees Celsius; mixing the polymeric binder with the heated magnetic nanoparticles, the aromatic polymer, and a solvent to form a mixture; applying the mixture onto a structure; at least partially drying the applied mixture; and radiating the at least partially dried applied mixture for causing crosslinking of the polymeric binder. 
 
     
     
       3. A method, comprising: forming a magnetic recording layer having:
 encapsulated nanoparticles each comprising a magnetic nanoparticle encapsulated by an encapsulating layer, and a polymeric binder binding the encapsulated nanoparticles, wherein forming the recording layer includes radiating a mixture comprising the magnetic nanoparticles and an aromatic polymer for causing the aromatic polymer to crosslink, thereby forming the encapsulating layer around the magnetic nanoparticles. 
 
     
     
       4. A method, comprising: creating a suspension of magnetic nanoparticles and an aromatic polymer; mixing the suspension with a polymeric binder and a solvent to form a mixture; applying the mixture onto a structure; at least partially drying the applied mixture; and curing the applied mixture, wherein creating the suspension includes heating unencapsulated magnetic nanoparticles and the aromatic polymer to a temperature of at least 200 degrees Celsius. 
     
     
       5. A method, comprising: creating a suspension of magnetic nanoparticles and an aromatic polymer; mixing the suspension with a polymeric binder and a solvent to form a mixture; applying the mixture onto a structure; at least partially drying the applied mixture; and curing the applied mixture, wherein the magnetic nanoparticles are unencapsulated in the suspension.